Mo. lawmakers pass tax break for sawmills

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Missouri lawmakers have approved a tax break for sawmills.

The measure classifies mills where timber is planed or sawed as agriculture and horticultural land rather than commercial property.

Agricultural land is assessed at 12 percent of its productive value for property tax purposes, compared with 32 percent of market value for commercial property.

The change could save Missouri sawmills about $4 million a year in property taxes. Proponents say it could provide a boost for a timber industry that needs a little help.

The House gave the measure final approval Tuesday on a vote of 129-24, sending it to Gov. Jay Nixon.